The 20th-anniversary celebration of the film Parineeta was a star-studded affair, highlighted by Vidya Balan's performance of the traditional Bengali dance, Dhunuchi Naach. The event, which commemorated two decades since the film's release on June 10, 2005, brought together numerous Bollywood personalities to honor the legacy of the National Award-winning movie.
Parineeta, directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, marked Vidya Balan's Bollywood debut. The film, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella, also starred Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan, with supporting roles played by Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, and Dia Mirza. The movie is known for its exploration of love, class divides, and soulful music. The film is set to return to theaters on August 29.
The premiere of the re-release saw many well-known faces, including Rekha, Dia Mirza, Shreya Ghoshal, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Rajkumar Hirani. A video circulating online shows Vidya Balan participating in the Dhunuchi Naach, while Rekha is seen affectionately kissing the film's poster. Another heartwarming moment captured was Vidya Balan touching Rekha's feet, a gesture of respect towards the veteran actress.
Parineeta is remembered for its narrative steeped in romance, camaraderie, and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of 1960s Kolkata. The film beautifully depicted the city with its vintage trams, colonial-era mansions, and the soft glow of yellow streetlights. The movie's cultural heritage, familial influences, and subtle class struggles resonated with audiences. The film's music, composed by Shantanu Moitra, also remains popular, with hits like "Piyu Bole" and "Raat Hamari Toh".
The 20th-anniversary celebration not only honored the film's artistic achievements but also its cultural impact. Parineeta explored themes of patriarchy and a woman's quiet rebellion in love, making it a film ahead of its time. The re-release of Parineeta offers a new generation of viewers the chance to experience its charm and timelessness.
